Truth

I see things like this all the time... usually when someone demands something, it is impossible (given the current architecture or would take a year or a million dollars.) When someone starts by saying "I don't know if this is even possible," it turns out to be a simple request.

NoteSlate: Coming in June 2014

I was doing some Twitter clean-up and realized I was still following NoteSlate. I went to their site and found this video - which ends by saying that NoteSlate coming in June 2014. Hmmmm. But, there was a hashtag, so it must be real - #SlateIsBack.

Home Data Center

I've added a Dell Mini 10 running Ubuntu and have a Frankensteined desktop that has replaced the one that died a while back. So I am slowly moving in this direction - the home data center.

(Who am I kidding? I'm all about being a minimalist now and I grumble enough about my electric bill.)

Via Data Center Knowledge via Slashdot.org

Xiegu X108: FCC?

From the X108 thread:

"x108 is to be visited fcc certification, technical indicators promised things would be done, the average user know there is no water on the line. If you want to know the test method, you can refer to a few centimeters of qst information or go to see, of course, if you can, that bob wrote the book arrl can also be bought to see that currently no Chinese version."

That clears that right up for me.

Pricing

The 409Shop is promoting the Yaesu VX-3R (which I like), but selling it for $229 USD. The first US site I check has it for $185. I don't usually look at the Japanese radios when looking at the Chinese sources, but this strikes me as odd. Are they always this much more expensive?

SainSonic AP510 APRS Tracker

The SainSonic AP510 APRS Tracker ($140 at Amazon):

AVRT5 is developed on the basis of the above aprs AVRTT-AVRT4 equipment, the main function is to transmit APRS data integration. Built-in GPS antenna and module + VHF radio transceiver module to TNC codec comprehensive plan. When it power on it can be decoded to work with the standard orientation can be issued after verification of aprs data. It's compatible with common business APRS equipment and various aprsDIGI repeat and IGATE, it's a real APRS machine including transmitting and receiving.

Features

* Built- charge management IC (Input 5V)
* LED status display: Dual LED display, red is charging indicator, when charging it's red, full extinguished or dimmed. Green is the GPS indicator: Flashing indicates that no location. If it's on it means success positioning
* Single button: Press button long time - turn on. After startup, short press- transmitting, long press-turn off
* 18B20 temperature sensor: IC precision 0.0625 degrees, passes the temperature of inside/outside the machine and the board in real time
* The buzzer (beep): Switch and transmitter, there beep prompt, convenient to determine the state and blind transfer machines
* TF deck: Internal device flash memory allow you to store your position history with second by second resolution

Specifications

* Memory: Support 4G TF card (not included)
* Thermometer: 18B20 Sensor
* MCU SCM: Mega64 Industrial
* Output: USB
* Bluetooth: Bluetooth 2.0
* Decoding function: Decoder chip of CML Inc.
* Battery Capacity: 3300 mAh
* Interface Extension: PCB 3 Analog Interface
* LED: Highlight Dual LED Indicator

Package List

1 x AVRT5 APRS tracker
1 x USB data cable to PC
1 x VHF Antenna





Via reddit

It's the law

Back in my fraternity days, you wouldn't get caught dead wearing two items that had our letters on them. Double letters was huge mistake. With hams, it seems the more you have, the better.

Via reddit

GoT State Sigils

Sigils for each state in the style of Game of Thones

Import Communications Updates

Ed sent out a newsletter with several updates:

September 16, 2014

Dear Customers,

We have some new items at Import Communications with features not found on other imported radios. Things like Frequency Hopping, 2-Tone pager mode and AM Airband receive, just to name a few. Please visit our home page for more details. www.ImportCommunications.com

AT-3318UV-A ............................. in stock now

• Can double as a 2-Tone Pager (any one of 16 different 2-Tone tones can be assigned to any saved channel)
• Both 2-Tone & 5-Tone decode and encode
• PTT id
• PTT DTMF
• CTCSS & DCS (that work correctly in receive mode)
• Stun / Kill
• Memory banks (10 banks, up to 32 channels per bank)
• Assign any channel to multiple banks
• Assign any or all banks as “active”
• Add or remove active banks by key-press
• Fast Scan Rate / Normal Scan Rate, you choose
• Scanning resumes automatically after off/on cycle
• Can operate both VFO and Memory mode at the same time
• Display the frequency of a named channel with a button push
• Independent squelch level for each channel
• Squelch level adjustable on-the-fly
• Remove channel from scan list via the keypad
• Totally lock keypad but still change channels and adjust squelch
• Single or dual PTT buttons
• Talk-around button
• No battery drain during storage
• FCC Part 90 certified
  

AT-3318UV-D ............................ in stock now

• All of the above features, plus
• TRUE DUAL BAND, receive two signals at the same time
• Transmit and Receive at the same time
• CROSS-BAND REPEAT mode
• AM Aircraft band receive
• FM broadcast receive
• Shortwave & Longwave receive
• MSK encode & decode
• FHSS – Frequency Hopping Spread Spectrum (for private, undetectable transmissions)

AT-3318UV-E ........................... in stock now, limited supply

• All of the above feature, plus
• Tri-Band Radio - transmit three bands
  

                    Transmit 136-174 MHz (5 watts)
                                      222-225 MHz (4 watts)
                                      400-520 MHz (4 watts)
                      Receive 136-174 MHz
                                      220-260 MHz
                                      400-520 MHz
                                         64-108 MHz FM (FM Broadcast)
                                       117-137 MHz AM (AM Aircraft Band)
                                       2.3-29.9 MHz AM (Shortwave Band)
                                     520-1710 kHz AM (AM Broadcast)


AT-5888UV III ........................... available mid-October

• Tri-Band Mobile
• This radio will be available October 2014

                       Transmit 136-174 MHz
                                         222-225 MHz
                                         400-490 MHz
                         Receive 108-174 MHz (AM Aircraft Band)
                                         136-174 MHz
                                         200-260 MHz
                                         400-490 MHz


Xiegu QRP Transceivers

X108

• 9 band, 1-20 watt SSB, AM & CW Transceiver
• This exciting new model can be ordered now for delivery in early October

X1M

• 5 band, 5 watt SSB & CW Transceiver
• Not a new product, but still popular and in stock

Rexon Aircraft Transceivers ...................... in stock, limited supply

• AM & FM modes
• Includes VOR with CDI
• 108 – 143.975 AM & FM

Thank you for your continued support.

Regards,
Ed

Schneier Sherlock Cross-over

Too funny.